System for singly dispensing fibrous filters from bulk

ABSTRACT

A system for singly dispensing fibrous coffee filters from bulk includes a grasping tool having a handle with a working end and a container with an edge trim member for preventing bulk fibrous filters from passing freely through the opening in the container. The edge trim member comprises interlocking parts and has a planer platform for rotating the trim member relative to the container. The planer platform has a cutout extending therethrough. The handle of the grasping tool is configured to be releasably secured to the platform. The system accommodates large and small cup- and cone-style filters and may be built-in to a coffee brewing machine.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/768,105, filed Feb.15, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/546,816, filed Jul. 11, 2012, which itself is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.13/107,621, filed May 13, 2011, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Nos. 61/372,291, filed Aug. 10, 2010 and61/358,299, filed Jun. 24, 2010, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to containers and methods for dispensingarticles and, more particularly, to a system for singly dispensingfibrous filters from bulk.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Coffee filters typically cling together when in bulk quantities. It iswell known, however, that the filters must be singly placed into abrewing machine for the desired result, and separating the filters toobtain a single filter can be difficult. If two or more filters aremistakenly used, coffee and water may flood over the top of the filterbasket causing a mess and/or damage to the machine. Another problem isthat manipulating the filters by hand is difficult and spreads germs.

It is also known to use tools that improve one's ability to grasp andseparate the filters. Such tools, however, are typically connected insome way to the paper box of filters. In addition to addingmanufacturing costs to the filter box, these tools have complicatedfolding linkages connecting them to the box. This helps prevent the toolfrom being separated from the box; but hinges and linkages limit therange of motion of the tool and/or require extreme dexterity tomanipulate. Also, such connective hinges often tear or otherwise failsince they are perforations and folds formed in the paper box.

Other such tools employ adhesive means for grasping the filter. Suchadhesive surfaces loose their adhesion through repeated use as paperparticles accumulate on their surfaces. Thus, prior bulk coffee filterseparating systems eventually fail.

There is, therefore, a need for a new system for singly dispensingfibrous filters from bulk. A system capable of protecting the filtersfrom damage caused by water/coffee spillage is also desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages heretofore associated with the prior art are overcomeby the inventive system for singly dispensing fibrous filters from bulk.When compared with previous filter dispensing methods, the inventivesystem provides advantages, including an efficient and easy way to storeand singly dispense coffee filters from bulk.

In one aspect of the invention, a grasping tool with a working end and acontainer with an opening are provided. The opening includes an edge. Atleast a portion of the edge or an edge trim member may be shaped so thatbulk fibrous filters cannot pass freely through the opening in thecontainer when contained therein, and so that at least a portion of atop filter is accessible and graspable by the working end of thegrasping tool. A cover is provided for covering the filters to keep themclean and dry.

In another aspect, the edge trim member is releasably secured to thecontainer. The edge trim member has a downwardly extending wall with a Zshaped cross section and tab members extending inwardly from the wall.The edge of the opening of the container has cutouts for receiving thetab members. The tab members can pass freely through the cutouts so thatthe edge trim member and the tab members can rotate freely relative tothe container to define a locked position with the tab membersunderneath the edge of the opening. The edge trim member includes aplaner handle with a cutout for releasably receiving the handle of thepick tool.

In another aspect, the opening is in the form of an elongate slotextending along the width of a side of the container. The fibrousfilters may be cone type filters, and the slot has an enlarged portion.

In another aspect, the opening is in the form of a circle locatedcentrally in a side of the container. The fibrous filters may be baskettype filters, and the opening has an inwardly-sloped peripheral edge.

In yet another aspect, the grasping tool includes a handle. The workingend of the grasping tool may define a pick, which extends outwardly fromthe handle.

In still another aspect, at least a part of the handle or a portion ofthe container is magnetic so that the handle can be releasably connectedmagnetically to the container.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved system for singlydispensing fibrous filters from bulk. Other objects and advantages ofthe invention will be apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of the invention, both as to its structure and operation,may be obtained by a review of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of the system ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along lines2-2.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional perspective view of another embodiment ofthe container of the invention showing the trim member.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of another embodiment of the system of theinvention showing a four-piece container construction.

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the system of invention shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a cross section of the system of the invention shown in FIG.4A taken along line 4C-4C of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the grasping member andbase of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the grasping toolof the invention.

FIG. 7. is a perspective view of another embodiment of the container ofthe invention useful for singly dispensing cone-shaped fibrous filters.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of the embodiment of FIG. 7 taken along lines8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the system shown schematically connectedto a coffee maker.

FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the system.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 showing thecontainer, trim member and cover.

FIG. 12 is a partial cutaway of the edge of the container and a portionof the trim member shown enlarged to illustrate the tab members andcutouts.

FIG. 13A is a cross section of the container of FIG. 10 taken along line13A-13A.

FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 is a cross section of the container of FIG. 10 taken along line14-14.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the grasping tool of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a tool for separating thin layer itemsmade of fibrous or sheer material, such as, coffee filters, from a bulkof such items, in such a manner that only one item is removed at a time.For example, the present invention can be used to separate basket-typeand cone-type coffee filters from their nested and stacked bulks,respectively. Other examples include, paper plates, Styrofoam plates,plastic plates, cocktail napkins, and polymeric materials such asplastic grocery and/or trash bags. The preferred embodiment relates to asystem for separating coffee filters, particularly of the cup basket andcone types.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in one embodiment, the system 10 includes agrasping tool 20 with a working end 22. In an embodiment, grasping tool20 comprises a handle 12. In some embodiments, at least a portion of thehandle is made of metal and may be magnetized. In one embodiment, theworking end of the tool bears a shaft that diverges at an angle in therange of from about 80 to 100 degrees, culminating in a sharp pick(tine) 24.

The handle can comprise one or more materials including metals andmetallic materials, polymeric materials such as polypropylene,polyurethane, polyethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, and other syntheticmaterials. The materials can be molded or compressed together in anadhesive, if desired. The handle can comprise non-synthetic or naturalmaterials such as for example, cellulosic materials, examples of whichinclude cardboard, reinforced cardboard, wood, layered or composite woodproducts, compressed cellulosic fiber such as compressed wood fibers,and the like. Preferred are synthetic materials that have a flexibilitysuch that the handle can moderate forces exerted thereon such that thepressure at the tip of the pick is not so great that a person of averagestrength would consistently separate groups of more than one membranefrom the bulk pack. Thus, the shape and flexibility of the handle can beinstrumental in securing it to the container 30 and in moderating theforce applied by the user such that the pick separates only one filterfrom the bulk pack. Polymeric materials are preferred, but othermaterials that have the same or similar mechanical properties describedherein may be used to form grasping tool 20.

The handle 20 can comprise a layered structure of one or more differentmaterials or veneers, such that the flexibility can be engineered tosuit the expected task. While most embodiments provide for a handlehaving a major axis which is at least about twice the length of theminor axis, in some embodiments, the handle may be designed to be“pinched” between thumb and forefinger, rather than grasped with theentire hand. In such “pinch embodiments (not shown), the handle may beshaped like a tab, i.e., smaller and more compact than the longembodiment described above, for example of a circular or oval shape. Infurther embodiments, the construction can include the same elements asthose listed above for the long embodiment. Handle 12 may also be shapedto accommodate grasping by a user's fingers, as shown in FIG. 15.

In yet another embodiment the handle is magnetized. If desirable, thehandle itself can be made magnetic by the use of magnetized materials,such as magnetic dusts which can be embedded into synthetic materials.In another embodiment, a bulk or veneer permanent magnet can be mountedon the handle or embedded in the handle. A magnetized handle enablesregular storage, ensuring that the implement will not become separatedfrom the container and lost. The handle may be tethered (not shown) tothe container 30 or edge trim member 46 as well in order that it notbecome separated therefrom.

In still another embodiment, the handle comprises a retainer base 25having a bottom 23 and three upstanding walls 21, as shown in FIG. 5. Apost 27 extends upwardly from the bottom. The handle of the graspingtool includes a bore 14 formed therein. The bore receives the post, andthe walls contain the grasping tool in the stowed position shown in theembodiment of FIG. 5. Note that the walls 21 are interrupted so that theuser can grasp the body of the handle 12 accordingly. Those skilled inthe art should appreciate that the retainer base 25 may be adhered orotherwise connected to container 30 using known means, includingmagnetic, adhesive, fastener, or the like. In other embodiments, likethe one of FIG. 1, retainer base 25 may be integrally cast with the bodyof the container 30 or a coffee maker, for example.

In an embodiment, the working end comprises a pick 24 in the shape of anL. The shaft or leg 28 of the L is approximately one inch long, of whichapproximately 3/16 inch diverges at an approximately 90 degree anglefrom the handle to define a stem portion 26. In a further embodiment,the grasping tool comprises an adhesive strip or veneer, comprisingdouble-sided adhesive (not shown), having the ability to hold fast tosurfaces, for convenience and storage before and after use. The adhesivestrips may include a plurality of stacked “peel-away” strips each beingremoved and disposed to expose another.

The grasping tool 20 comprises a handle 12 and a pick 24 extending awayfrom the handle. The handle is generally elongated, having a major axiswhich is in the range of from about 2 times to 25 times the length ofthe minor axis. The handle is preferably of a thickness such that ameasure of flexibility is achieved. The handle may be flattened. In oneembodiment, the handle is tapered at the pick-bearing end, as shown inFIG. 6.

In an embodiment, the pick is at an angle to the handle in the range offrom about 80 to 100 degrees, with an angle in the range of from about87 to about 93 degrees preferred so as to form an L shape. The pick canextend at such an angle directly from the handle, or in otherembodiments, the pick can extend from the handle at another angle,curving along its length such that the tip is at the preferred angle tothe handle, and/or the handle has a “curved” shape that is complementaryto the shape of fingers. The tip can ultimately be sharply or smoothlybent. In one embodiment, the stem 26 of pick 24 is embedded for part ofits length in the handle, as shown in FIG. 5.

The pick preferably comprises a metallic or polymeric material. Metal ispreferred for more durable applications, such as long term use in acommercial setting. Plastic or synthetic materials are suitable forapplications which are of limited duration, such as for use inresidential sized boxes which contain a relatively reduced number offilters.

The types of fibrous membranes which can benefit from the presentinventive pick include membranes used in filtration apparatus such as inchemistry and food science. Especially preferred are coffee filters,including all types, but especially applicable to basket-type andcone-type filters, as shown in the drawings.

The pick is easily used with containers comprising folded plastic ormetal springs which bias the filters toward an opening. In oneembodiment, the membranes 60 are nested basket-type filters, and theopening 40 is in the form of a circle located centrally in the top 32 ofa container 30 having the cylindrical symmetry of the filters, as shownin FIG. 1. The filters are biased toward the opening in their upright orupside-down configuration. The filters are removed singly by applyingthe pick across the accessible surface of the top filter 61 such thatthe pick element contacts and grasps the filter at approximately a rightangle, although other angles will demonstrate a degree of efficiency aswell.

In one example, a suitable container 30 for nested basket type filtersis a plastic box-shaped container measuring approximately 6×6×2.5 incheswith a round opening 40 located centrally in a top 32 of the container.In one embodiment, the exterior perimeter of the opening contains asmall plastic lip or inwardly sloped peripheral edge 42 that inverts ½inch toward the interior of the opening, its interior edge beingserrated at 48, as shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, its interioredge is non-serrated. The center cutout is designed to hold an insertionof a stack of basket type bulk coffee filters. In those embodimentshaving a serrated edge, the serrated edge holds fast to the outermost(last) filter, while not impeding the withdrawal of other filters fromthe top of the stack.

In another embodiment, smaller filter sizes can be accommodated byincluding a separate cup 83 designed for insertion into the centercutout, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. In this embodiment, a suitablecontainer 30 is a plastic box-shaped container measuring approximately6¼×6¼×3 inches. The container comprises a top portion 81, a bottomportion 82, and a cup 83. The top portion contains a round opening 40located centrally in a top surface 32. The opening and the cup aredesigned to hold an insertion of a stack of basket type bulk coffeefilters. The opening accommodates a large-size filter and the cup asmaller one. The exterior perimeter of the opening 40 contains a plasticlip or inwardly sloped peripheral edge 42 that inverts ½ inch toward theinterior of the opening. An edge trim sidewall 84 extends downwardlyapproximately 2 inches from the sloped peripheral edge. Two oppositelydisposed tabs 44 extend from the edge trim sidewall toward the interiorof the opening to prevent the bulk filters from passing freely throughthe opening.

The bottom portion of the container may optionally contain elongatedholes 85 on the bottom surface to facilitate convenient mounting andstorage of the container. The elongated holes are wider at one end toaccommodate the head of a nail, screw, or other fastener. The bottomportion may also include a notch 86 in one of the sidewalls designed forreceiving a tongue 124 on the grasping tool, as shown in FIG. 15. Thetongue is securely positioned within the notch, and the tonguecontinuously urges the bottom surface 12 f of the grasping tool againstthe exterior sidewall of the container 30 so that a force is provided bythe tongue that is distributed about the planar exterior sidewall tomaintain the grasping tool on the container. This ensures that thegrasping tool does not become accidentally separated from the container.

With reference to FIGS. 4B-4C, the cup contains a rounded mouth oropening 87 and a plastic lip 88 that extends outward from the sidewallof the cup 83 away from the opening. The cup 83 is sized such that itfits entirely within the container 30 when the top and bottom portions81, 82 are assembled, as shown in FIG. 4A. Additionally, the outerdiameter of the plastic lip 88 fits concentrically and securely withinthe edge trim sidewall of the top portion such that there is little orno movement of the cup when the container is assembled. The tabs 44prevent the cup from passing freely through the opening. The advantageof the three-piece container construction is that varying filter sizescan be accommodated by varying the cup size. With a smaller cup, forexample, the plastic lip 88 may extend further from the cup sidewallsuch that the plastic lip still maintains a concentric and secure fitwithin the edge trim sidewall.

Two oppositely disposed recesses 91 are located on the exteriorsidewalls of both the top and bottom portions of the container. Withineach of the recesses on the top portion is a resilient latching tab 92with a first end attached to the container and an unattached second endthat slopes downwardly away from the top surface 32. The latching tabs92 contain a raised portion 93 at the unattached second end for lockinginto a mating slot 94 on the bottom portion 30 of the container. Thissnap-fits the top and bottom together to form a unitary container 10.The container may be removed from its bottom portion by depressing thetabs to gain access to the cup to refill it with filters.

In an embodiment, the exterior back of the container may comprise stripsof double-sided adhesive (not shown) attached to the exterior sides ofthe back, with the exterior of the strips being clad in a light coveringor film for removal prior to installation (use). The adhesive allows theinvention to be affixed to flat surfaces, such as the inside of acupboard door, side panel or cupboard, or counter top or wall, forexample. The purpose of the metal strip is to attract and hold themagnetized pick in place. All of these elements together assureconvenient relocation of the pick after use, attractiveness, and easylocation of both filters and pick when needed.

Another embodiment includes an edge trim member 46. Referring to FIG. 2,for example, the edge trim member 46 extends downwardly from the slopedperipheral edge 42. In the preferred embodiment, at least a portion ofthe edge 42 or edge trim member 46 is shaped so that the bulk filterscannot pass freely through the opening in the container when containedtherein, and so that at least a portion of a top filter 61 is accessibleand graspable by the working end of the grasping tool. A pair ofoppositely disposed tabs 44, for example, extends from the trim memberin an exemplary embodiment and serves to prevent the bulk filters frompassing freely through the opening. Skilled artisans will note thatother shapes may be employed as described to retain the filters in thecontainer so long as the shape of the edge 42 or trim member 46 resultsin a portion of the opening having a smaller inner diameter than theouter diameter of the filters when the filters are not deformed.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the filters (not shown) areflattened cones which, during intended operation, open out into athree-dimensional cone. In this embodiment, the filters are paired witha container 30, as shown, having an elongate cutaway or slot 50extending along the width of the side of the container on its open edge,exposing the uppermost filter in a stack of flattened cone filters. In apreferred embodiment, an enlarged portion 52 is present above the slot50 as a withdrawal gap or groove, enabling the filters, once snagged onthe pick element, to be withdrawn. Note that the box of filters does nothave to be opened to dispense a filter, and the limited accessibility ofthe filters in the container of the present invention keeps the filtersdry and sanitary. The filters are removed one at a time by applying thegrasping tool across the accessible surface of an exposed top filter(not shown) such that the pick element contacts the top filter atapproximately a right angle, although other angles will demonstrate adegree of efficiency as well. The filters do not have to be handled andthus, the system promotes a germ-free operation.

This embodiment includes a plastic rectangular container measuringapproximately 7⅞×5⅛×2 2/8 inches. A slot 50 is formed in the container30. It is approximately ⅜ inch wide and extends along the width of thebox. The container comprises an enlarged portion 52 with the shape ofits peripheral edge extending downwardly as a half circle beginning 2⅜inch from the left side of the top and continuing its arc inward, sothat it rejoins the slot upon completing its half circle arch, leavingapproximately 1⅛ inch of slot to the opposite side from the origin ofslot 50. This shape helps facilitate removal of filters from thecontainer.

Referring to FIG. 8, the back (bottom) 54 of the invention may include acutout 56 rounded at the corners, which, in some embodiments, isapproximately 3 inch wide by 2 inch high located approximately 1 inchfrom the topside. In those embodiments, this cutout may serve as ahandle that may be grasped for carrying the container or removing itsback accordingly. By inserting fingers and pulling outward, the back mayopen to reveal the inside of container 30, which allows for refillingbulk filters when depleted. In one embodiment, the entire back may be amonolithic piece that has two progress or arms 57, 59 that “accordion”and when viewed from the side resembles the shape of an N. Thus, as aresult of living hinges 70, 71 connecting the arms to the sides of thecontainer, the N structure is constantly urged toward the interior front(top) wall, as shown in FIG. 8. When fully loaded with filters at a,this embodiment is fully compressed to a tight configuration. As filtersare removed, the arm continues to advance the filters upward toward theslot 50.

The slot 50 and the enlarged portion at the top serves two purposes: (i)the notch serves as a portal to insert the tip of the pick and (ii)secure a corner of a cone filter and with moderate pressure applied,extract filters one at a time through the slot.

A thin strip of metal, in some embodiments, about 5×2 inches, is affixedto the side by means of double sided adhesive (not shown), the outerside being clad in light covering or film for removal prior to use. Thepurpose of the metal strip is to attract and hold in place the pick,which is magnetized. In other embodiments, multiple strips are attached,and in preferred embodiments, the attachment sites are symmetrical,e.g., tongue 124 and cutout 151, as shown in FIGS. 14-15.

In one embodiment, a bore 38, depression, dimple or the like is formedin the thin strip of metal or on any other surface meant to receive theleg 28 of the pick 24, as shown for example in FIG. 1. The hole,depression, dimple or divot receives, with or without contact, the pickelement. The pick may thus lie flat against the container in the stowedposition protected from rough contact or accidental contact. In oneembodiment the pick can be automated or lever operated such that uponsweeping across the filter stack, it separates a filter from the top ofthe stack.

At the time of this writing, the inventor contemplates manufacture ofnumerous embodiments and combinations of the container 30 and graspingtool 20, including those illustrated in the drawings, integrally formedwith various models of coffee brewers for home or business use. FIG. 9shows one such embodiment of the system built into an exemplary coffeebrewing machine.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15, the container 30 includesopening 40. The opening has an edge 42. At least a portion of the edge(if the container and trim member are integrally cast) or an edge trimmember is shaped so that bulk fibrous filters cannot pass freely throughthe opening in the container when contained therein, and so that atleast a portion of a top filter (not shown) is accessible and graspableby the working end 24 of the grasping tool 20.

In that embodiment, the edge trim member 46 has a downwardly extendingwall 146 having a Z shaped cross section 147 and tab members 148extending inward from the wall. The edge of the opening 40 of thecontainer includes cutouts 142 for receiving the tab members 148. Thetab members can pass freely through the cutouts so that the edge trimmember 46 and the tab members 148 can rotate freely relative to thecontainer 30 to define a locked position with the tab members underneaththe edge 42 of the opening 40 so that the trim member 46 can bereleasably secured to the container 30, as shown in FIG. 10. The edgetrim member has a planer platform 150 for rotating the trim memberrelative to the container 30 so that a user can move the container andthe trim member together as a single unit. Additionally, the planerplatform includes a cutout 151 extending through it.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10-15, a grasping tool 20 includes a handle12 with a planer body 12 b with a bore 12 c having walls 12 d formedtherein. The body includes a top surface 12 e, a bottom surface 12 f, afront end 22 with pick 24 extending outwardly therefrom, a rear end 12 gand an edge 12 h. The edge 12 h is preferably formed in the shape ofrepeating curves so that a user can easily grasp and separate the toolfrom the platform 150 of the trim member 46, as shown in FIGS. 11 and14-15. The bore 12 c in the handle of the tool has a tongue 124 thatextends obliquely downward from one of the walls of the bore to provideresiliency to the tongue. This ensures the working tool does not becomeaccidentally separated from the container and trim member 46.

Referring to FIGS. 10 thru 13A-13B, when the tongue 124 is securelypositioned within the cutout 151, the tongue continuously urges thebottom surface 12 f of the body of the handle against the top of theplaner platform 150 so that a force is provided by the tongue that isdistributed about the planer platform to maintain the grasping tool 20on the platform 150. The system includes a cover 200 for covering thetrim member and the container. In one embodiment, the cover has a cutout210 in its edge so that the planer platform may extend laterally outwardthrough the cutout when the cover is on the container and trim member,as shown in FIG. 10.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, specific embodiments have been described. It shouldnevertheless be understood that the description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive in character, and that no limitation ofthe scope of the invention is intended. Any alterations and furthermodifications in the described components, elements, processes, ordevices, and any further applications of the principles of the inventionas described herein, are contemplated as would normally occur to oneskilled in the art to which the invention relates.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for singly dispensing fibrous filtersfrom bulk comprising: a grasping tool comprising: a working end; ahandle; and a pick that extends outwardly from said working end; acontainer for containing bulk fibrous filters of a predetermined size,said container comprising: an opening; and a peripheral edge extendingdownwardly from said opening, at least a portion of the peripheral edgebeing shaped so that the bulk fibrous filters cannot pass freely throughthe opening when contained therein, and so that at least a portion of atop filter is accessible and graspable by the working end of thegrasping tool; a retainer base connected to the container for retainingthe grasping tool, said retainer base comprising: a bottom; threeupstanding sidewalls; a post extending upward from the bottom; and atleast two oppositely disposed recesses in the sidewalls to facilitateremoval of the grasping tool; and a bore in said grasping tool forreceiving the post.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the containerfurther comprises at least one tab that extends from the peripheral edgetoward the interior of the opening.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe container further comprises a bore formed therein for receiving aleg of the pick so that the handle can lie flat against the container ina stowed position.
 4. A system according to claim 1 further comprisingbiasing means operatively configured inside the container forcontinuously biasing cone-type fibrous filters in a direction toward theslot.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein a portion of the grasping toolhandle or a portion of the container is magnetic so that the handle canbe magnetically and releasably connected to the container, and whereinthe container further comprises a bore formed therein for receiving aleg of the pick so that the handle can lie flat against the container ina stowed position.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer baseis integrally formed with the container.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the container and the retainer base are integrally formed with acoffee brewer machine.
 8. A system for singly dispensing fibrous filtersfrom bulk comprising: a grasping tool comprising: a working end; ahandle; and a pick that extends outwardly from said working end; acontainer for containing bulk fibrous filters of a first size, saidcontainer comprising: a top portion; an opening in the top portion; aperipheral edge extending downwardly from said opening, at least aportion of the peripheral edge being shaped so that the bulk fibrousfilters cannot pass freely through the opening when contained therein,and so that at least a portion of a top filter is accessible andgraspable by the working end of the grasping tool; a bottom portion; anda means for releasably connecting the top portion to the bottom portion;a retainer base connected to the container for retaining the graspingtool, said retainer base comprising: a bottom; three upstandingsidewalls; a post extending upward from the bottom; and at least twooppositely disposed recesses in the sidewalls to facilitate removal ofthe grasping tool; and a cup for containing bulk fibrous filters of asecond size, wherein the second size is smaller than said first size,and said cup is adapted to fit within the container in a manner suchthat it does not move when the top portion and bottom portion arereleasably connected, wherein: a bore is included in said grasping toolfor receiving the post.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said cupcomprises an outwardly extending lip that fits concentrically andsecurely within the peripheral edge, and the top portion furthercomprises at least one tab that extends from the peripheral edge towardthe interior of the opening.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein thegrasping tool further comprises a tongue extending from the handle, andthe bottom portion further comprises a notch in a sidewall for receivingthe tongue.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the bottom portionfurther comprises one or more holes extending through a bottom surfaceto facilitate mounting and storage of the system.